NFL Power Rankings: Let the Chicago Bears cascade begin

With the Chicago Bears suffering one of their most deflating defeats in years, it’s natural to see them tumble down the week two power rankings.

They’re in the exact same spot as a year ago (0-1 after a loss to their division rival Green Bay Packers), but this one seems different. Maybe it’s because expectations are so much greater this year, or maybe it’s because the offense looked incompetent on Thursday, but the bright side is the Bears have time to figure things out.

Until proven otherwise, I’l going to assume the ascension I saw the Bears’ offense make in 2018 wasn’t a fluke, and that their performance in the season opener against the Packers was. Head coach Matt Nagy and his offensive staff have their work cut out for them, but they run a sound and proven system, so I believe they’ll get back on track.

But let’s see what the national Power Rankers have to say.

We’ll start with a positive as Pete Prisco of CBS Sports moved the Bears up one spot, from 12 to 11.

The defense will again be special, but this season will be all about the improvement of Mitch Trubisky. Can he take the next step? If he does, they could win the NFC.

Here’s how the USA Today has the Bears this week.

13. Bears (7): Matt Nagy’s playsheet has a reminder: “BE YOU.” If you followed advice, Matt, scrap it. If you didn’t, heed it fast after that eyesore.

ESPN has the Bears taking a big drop.

13. Chicago Bears (0-1)

Preseason ranking: 7

Rookie who flashed: David Montgomery, RB

How the newcomer starred: Matt Nagy freely admitted after Week 1’s loss to Green Bay that the rookie running back needs more touches. Montgomery carried the ball only six times for 18 yards against the Packers, but a few of those were tough runs that resulted in first downs. Montgomery also caught an important 27-yard pass, which tied for Chicago’s second-longest play from scrimmage versus Green Bay. -- Jeff Dickerson

Here’s how Sports Illustrated has it.

15. CHICAGO BEARS (0-1)

Previous rank: 11

Points in poll: 172

Highest-place vote: 13 (1 voter)

Lowest-place vote: 19 (1 voter)

Last week’s result: Lost to Green Bay, 10-3

This week: at Denver

Packers defenders had less than laudatory things to say about Mitch Trubisky. Defense may have to keep Chicago afloat.

NFL.com has the Bears dropping 6 spots to number 11.

First, the good news: You can safely dismiss any serious concerns that the Bears’ defense will take a substantial step back without Vic Fangio around. Chicago’s D, now led by coordinator Chuck Pagano, swarmed Aaron Rodgers for four quarters in Thursday night’s opener, holding the new-look Matt LaFleur offense to minus-12 yards in the first quarter and just 213 yards total. Take out one Rodgers deep heave to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and a 50/50 ball touchdown reception by Jimmy Graham, and Green Bay did practically nothing. But Mitchell Trubisky and the Bears’ offense was somehow worse. This is going to be a tough week for the third-year quarterback, who will get peppered with criticism that he’s the second coming of Rex Grossman -- a.k.a., a middling QB who holds back an otherwise Super Bowl-ready team. This is unfair after one game, but great expectations bring added scrutiny. Remember when the Bears thought kicker was their only concern?

Here’s how the Sporting News has it.

15. Chicago Bears, 0-1 (11)

The Bears’ defense didn’t lose its bite without Vic Fangio, but that Matt Nagy offense with Mitchell Trubisky was too pass-happy and inefficient despite all its weapons. Chicago won’t repeat in the NFC North without better complementary football.

You guys think these rankings are fair this week?